Life and Books and Everything

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung interviews Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary. This interview was recorded live on stage from the Faithful Conference at Christ Covenant on November 7th. Listen and you’ll learn the books and people and places that made Dr. Duncan who he is. You’ll even find out his DJ name.  Timestamps:  Early Life and Conversion [00:00 – 7:16]  A True South Carolinian [7:16 – 10:17]  Encounters with God in Study [10:17 – 15:20]  Taking the Racial Blinders Off [15:20 – 23:08]  Critical Race Theory [23:08 – 27:47]  Reformed Books [27:47 – 31:57]  Covenant Theology [31:57 – 33:08]  Ligon Unplugged [33:08 – 38:50]  Lightning Round [38:50 – 48:27]   Books and Everything:  Knowing God, by Jim Packer  Search the Scriptures, edited by Alan M. Stibbs  Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, by Martyn Lloyd-Jones  Reformed Dogmatics: Theology Proper, by Geerhardus J. Vos  Dr. Duncan’s Class on Covenant Theology in the RTS App (iOS | Android)  Favorite Hymn: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,” by John Newton  Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof  “Denn alles Fleisch, es ist wie Gras,” mvt. 2 from Ein deutsches Requiem, by Johannes Brahms  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, &Justin wrestle with the current state of the 2020 election. Why doesn’t it seemto be a clear victory for the Left or the Right? What does it mean for thechurch? Does your vote have an inherent meaning, or is it entirely dependentupon your intentions? And they do indulge in just the right amount of rankpunditry.    Timestamps:  College Football [1:32 – 5:05]  Talking about the Election [5:05 – 33:11]  Does a vote have an inherent meaning? [33:11 – 48:48]  Alex Trebek [48:48 – 59:06]  What book, movie, or music do you go to when you need to reorient yourself?[59:06 – 1:08:49]   Book & Music Recommendations: Collin:  The old, red United Methodist Hymnal  Kevin: The Heidelberg Catechism  The Valley of Vision  Preaching & Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones  any systematic theology  The Planets, mvt. 4, “Jupiter” (Thaxted) by Gustav Holst  The Mission: Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture by Ennio Morricone    Justin: Psalm 131  “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” by William Cowper 

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. Scott Swain—Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary—joins Kevin, Justin, and Collin to discuss his book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Listen in to hear about recent controversies surrounding the doctrine of the trinity, if the Holy Spirit is indeed forgotten in our discussions about the trinity, why analogies for the trinity are unhelpful, and why Orlando is the most magical place on earth. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives by the faculty at Reformed Theological Seminary. Join a host of twenty-six scholars, including O. Palmer Robertson, Michael J. Kruger, and Scott R. Swain, as they explore how the concept of covenant is clearly taught in Scripture and how it lays the foundation for other doctrines of salvation. LBE is also excited to announce that listeners of the show can receive 30% off Crossway books, bibles, tracts, audiobooks, and ebooks by signing up for a free Crossway+ membership. Crossway+ is a new membership program designed to provide you with gospel-centered resources aimed at strengthening your faith and serving the church. Registering for a free Crossway+ membership makes it more convenient and affordable than ever to purchase directly from Crossway. Timestamps: Who is Scott Swain and why is Orlando the greatest and most magical place on earth? [0:00 - 8:40] Analogies and the trinity [8:40 - 12:10] 20th Century evangelicalism and the doctrine of the trinity [12:10 - 20:45] What is biblicism? [20:45 - 23:53] Relations of origin and the persons of the trinity [23:53 - 29:30] Why we should reject social trinitarianism [29:30 - 31:31]Is it true that we often forget the Holy Spirit in our discussions of the trinity? [31:31 - 34:55] The work of the Holy Spirit and revivalistic-charismatic movements [34:55 - 38:21] A tool-kit of systematic theology categories and terms [38:21 - 49:12] The drama behind the filioque [49:12 - 50:50] How should pastors communicate these orthodox categories to their congregations? [50:50 - 57:35] Resources on the Doctrine of the Trinity: St. Patrick's Bad Analogies  The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything by Fred Sanders The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance by Carl Trueman and Brandon Crowe  On God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations by Gregory of Nazianzus

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Jeff McAlvey joins Kevin and Justin to discuss the Christian’s role in politics. Jeff worked closely with Michigan Governor John Engler in the 90s, oversaw the state appropriations process when Governor Engler was the Senate Majority Leader, and started a lobbying group after his time in Washington DC. Listen in as Kevin, Justin, and Jeff unravel some of the misconceptions around politics in America and offer advice on how church members can love their neighbors and be more politically involved in their local communities.  This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway book we want to highlight this week is, When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from Stories of Suffering in Scripture (Suffering and the Christian Life, Volume 1) by Mark Talbot. When the Starts Disappear engages the topic of suffering, not only through Reformed theological and philosophical insights but with profound biblical reflection and personal experience through the author himself.   Book recommendations Kevin: God's Design for the Church: A Guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders by Conrad Mbewe  Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life by Zena Hitz Jesus and the Forces of Death: The Gospels' Portrayal of Ritual Impurity within First-Century Judaism by Matthew Thiessen Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting by Ronald Baily and Marian Tupy   Justin: What It Means to Be Human: The Case for the Body in Public Bioethics by O. Carter Snead Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race by Thomas Chatterton Williams  Jeff: Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Justin, and Collin are back together to discuss some of the more pressing issues facing the church today: sexual misconduct and allegations, this time concerning the late Ravi Zacharias, friendless pastors, the curse of fame, dangers facing the church from “the Right” and “the Left,” and helpful books for forming one’s political philosophy. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway titles we want to highlight in this episode are the ESV Scripture Journals (Illuminated Scripture Journals and the Greek Scripture Journal ). Bible readers can take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture These thin, portable, long-lasting notebooks are great for personal Bible reading and reflection, small-group study, or taking notes through a sermon series. Timestamps: Our attempts at journaling [0:00 - 10:34] The sexual misconduct and allegations of Ravi Zacharius [10:34 - 37:10] Agreeing and disagreeing on the dangers facing Reformed(ish) Evangelicalism [37:10 - 1:01:14]Books to help inform a political philosophy [1:01:14 - 1:18:33] Booklists: Justin: The Contested Public Square: The Crisis of Christianity and Politics by Greg Forster  Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies by David T. Koyzis  A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles by Thomas Sowell   Kevin: The Great Debate: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left by Yuval Levin  Christ and the Kingdoms of Men: Foundations of Political Life by David C. Innes  The Federalist Papers  Collin: Them: Why We Hate Each Other--and How to Heal by Ben Sasse  

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Dr. James Eglinton joins Kevin to discuss his latest work, Bavinck: A Critical Biography. Listen in for a fascinating look at the history of the modern Reformed tradition as told through the story of one of its greatest theologians, Herman Bavinck. Topics include Bavinck's Dutch Calvinistic context, his desire to apply Reformed orthodoxy to modern dilemmas, his association with the women's rights movement, if Bavinck was an evangelical, and his children and grandchildren's involvement in the Nazi resistance. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is Concise Theology by J. I Packer. Theology is important for the Christian life. And though it is marked by many complex terms and doctrines, there is yet what J. I. Packer calls “the permanent essentials of Christianity.” This concise introduction to these essential doctrines distills theological truths so both scholar and layperson alike can grow to treasure the unchanging pillars of the Christian faith. Resources mentioned: Bavinck: A Critical Biography by James Eglinton - 40% off HERE  Reformed Dogmatics (4 Volume Set) by Herman Bavinck The History of Scottish Theology, Volume I: Celtic Origins to Reformed Orthodoxy by David Fergusson and Mark Elliot

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, and Justin discuss the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her vacant seat on the Supreme Court, Classic liberalism and its critics, which books were most formative in their youth, and what career they each would have chosen if not for the ones they are in now. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is the ESV Every Day Bible: 365 Readings through the Whole Bible. This bible was designed from the ground up to be an inviting daily-reading Bible, to help readers achieve their goal of reading through the Bible in a year. Formative books in our youth: Kevin: Know What You Believe by Paul Little Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin   The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors by Martin Lloyd-Jones God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams by David Wells    No Place for Truth: or Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology? by David Wells  Losing Our Virtue: Why the Church Must Recover Its Moral Vision by David Wells  Collin: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden   The Cost of Discipleship by Bonhoeffer  The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky  The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism by Carl Henry  Justin:

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin, Collin, and Justin discuss the writing process, how things have exponentially changed in the online Christian writing space, what books have most recently moved them, which pastor biographies are their favorite, and what message the church needs to hear most in 2020. And if nuanced discussions on culture, books, and theology don't quite do it for you, be sure to tune in to hear the guys give their best Chris Farley impressions. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway, a publisher whose goal is to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David Tripp. For every celebrity pastor exiting the ministry in the spotlight, there are many more lesser-known pastors leaving in the shadows. Tripp draws on his decades of ministry experience to give churches twelve gospel principles necessary to combat this leadership crisis. Each of these principles, built upon characteristics such as humility, dependency, and accountability, will enable new and experienced leaders alike to focus their attention on the ultimate leadership model: the gospel. Timestamps: What did you do on Labor Day? | Crossway sponsorship: Lead by Paul David Tripp [0:00 - 11:48] - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/gospelbound/leaders-who-wont-flame-out/ Changes in Online Christian Writing [11:48 - 38:46] What is the last book that moved you? [38:46 - 54:05]Collin's books: Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David Tripp How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy): Personal Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan  Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow  Kevin's books: The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race In America by Shelby Steele Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts  Justin's books: Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund The chapter on Adoption in

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin shares four questions to ask regarding the most divisive topics in the church today: voting, police shootings, and Coronavirus. Kevin also shares 4 book recommendations of some of the most recent and enjoyable titles he has read through. This episode is sponsored by Crossway, a publisher whose goal is to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is Unfolding Grace: 40 Guided Readings through the Bible; discover the overarching storyline of God's Word as it is revealed through forty Scripture readings drawn from key points in the biblical narrative. Each passage, coupled with brief and accessible commentary, will help you follow God's grace as it unfolds from Genesis through Revelation. Unfolding Grace includes 40 illustrations by Peter Voth, excerpts discussing the flow of God’s plan of redemption, a single-column format, a smyth-sewn binding, and a Study guide.Timestamps:Introduction + 4 book recommendations [0:00 - 22:31] Books mentioned:The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It) by Michael Strain  The Morality of Laughter by F. H. Buckley  The Myth of Disenchantment: Magic, Modernity, and the Birth of the Human Sciences by Jason A. Josephson Storm  J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memoir by Ned B. Stonehouse - cover done by Marina Amaral  4 questions to ask when discussing voting [22:31 - 34:52]4 questions to ask when discussing police shootings [34:52 - 42:05] 4 questions to ask when discussing the Coronavirus [42:05 - 54:25]

In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, Kevin DeYoung, Collin Hansen, and Justin Taylor are joined by Dr. Julius Kim—President of The Gospel Coalition—to discuss each other’s seminary experiences, issues in evangelicalism, how to discern one’s vocational calling, how to be a better preacher, and, last but not least, which books have been most influential in the life and ministry of Dr. Kim. This episode of Life and Books and Everything is brought to you by Crossway, a publisher whose goal is to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church. The Crossway title we want to highlight in this episode is, Weep With Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation by Mark Vroegop, with contributions by Thabiti Anyabwile, Trillia Newbell, Jarvis Williams, John Onwuchekwa, Collin Hansen, Mika Edmondson, and more. In an effort to bridge the canyon of misunderstanding, insensitivity, and hurt, Mark Vroegop writes about the practice of lament. Vroegop invites readers to mourn with him over the brokenness that has caused division and to use lament to begin the journey toward a diverse and united church. Pick up your copy of Weep With Me by Mark Vroegop today.Timestamps: Weep With Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation by Mark Vroegop [0:00 - 1:43] Where we went to seminary and the different branches in evangelicalism [1:43 - 27:58] Wrestling with my vocational calling [27:58 - 39:38] How to become a better preacher [39:38 - 52:10] What books most influenced Julius Kim over the years and what he is reading now [52:10 - 58:07] Julius Kim’s prior wedding band career [58:07 - 1:06:38]Books and authors that have influenced Julius Kim: Knowing God by J. I. PackerHow Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture by Francis ShaefferInstitutes of the Christian Religion by John CalvinInstitutes of Elenctic Theology (3 Volume Set) by Francis TurretinThe Heart of a Servant Leader: Letters from Jack Miller by John C. MillerInfluenced by Ed Clowney, Henri Nouwen, and Eugene Peterson.Books that Julius Kim is reading right now: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow